Chapter 68
“Well?” TJ waited impatiently for Donovan’s response, though his body language appeared promising.
“Well…it’s about damn time, big guy. I was beginning to think that you found me more appealing as a cabana boy.”
TJ snorted then eyed Donovan. “I don’t have a pool, but if you want to dress in a skimpy thong and bring me drinks on the porch, who am I to argue?”
Donovan rolled his eyes. “You have a warped sense of humor.” His expression turned serious as he rested his hand on top of TJ’s. “I was afraid to say anything. Afraid it would drive you away. But, I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you when I stood on the edge of the tree line, in poison ivy, and saw you bathing nude.”
“You sure that just wasn’t lust?”
“Hmm.” Donovan rubbed his chin and arched an eyebrow almost wistfully. “Maybe. Certainly, I knew that I loved you when you took me home and tucked me into bed.”
TJ snorted. “Like a mother would do?”
“Good point.” Donovan pursed his lips. “Maybe it was when we went bowling and I kicked your ass.” He grinned wickedly.
“Oh, good grief. That was a tie.” TJ crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head. “You don’t have a clue when it happened, do you?”
Donovan shrugged. “Maybe all of the above and other special moments in between. Does it really matter as long as I love you?”
TJ’s face softened as he relaxed his stance. “It doesn’t matter when as long as you love me now.”
“There’s no question about that.” Donovan closed the distance between them, licked over TJ’s lips, then sealed them together.
* * * *
A couple of hours later, Donovan loped along the creek in his polar bear form, thrilled to be able to do so again without the threat of being shot, at least from a hunter. Bagsby was another matter. Still, he doubted Bagsby would venture into the woods. He was a priss, never got his hands dirty, kind of guy. Fancy suits and perfect haircuts were more his style. Tromping through the hills of Wyoming in search of his victim just didn’t fit with Bagsby’s image. Thus, Donovan didn’t bother worrying. Enjoyment soared as he ran free.
The day was already getting hot and muggy. Thus, the adventure before it turned downright miserable. His thick fur and hide worked well in the frozen tundra of winter. In the heat of summer, not so much. He’d consider sheering down if he didn’t believe the local barber would take one glimpse at him and run for his life. That or get his shotgun out.
Not funny, jackass.
Donovan snorted at his cranky inner polar. Poor guy.You don’t like this summer heat at all, do you?
Would you like to be dropped into a boiling pot of gumbo?
It’s not that bad. Geez.Besides, look at the view.
Just ahead, TJ’s grizzly stood on his hind legs, stretched up high, and left long claw marks in the side of a large tree.
He’s amazing.
Smells good, too.His inner bear growled with newfound desire.
Donovan rolled his eyes. Horny again?
Yeah, same as you.
Deciding that leaving his own mark appealed, Donovan headed to a nearby slightly less stately tree, lifted up, and sank his claws deep. He made one pass then went for another.
“Poison sumac.”
What?He dropped down to all fours and spun around to stare at the now nude TJ.
“You’re scratching on a poison sumac tree.”
Oh, shit.Donovan hurried out of there as quickly as he could get his big paws under him.
TJ shook his head. “City bear, what am I going to do with you?”
Donovan approached closer, then shifted forms. Immediately, he started checking out his skin, searching for red patches. “When does the rash start? I’m beginning to itch already. I think. I’m pretty sure, anyway.” He rubbed at his calf then his foot. “Am I going to turn into a blistered turnip?” He glanced up at TJ with an imploring look. “I’m pretty sure my toe is turning red.”
TJ rolled his eyes. “Now I think you’re going a bit overboard. It wouldn’t be red if you weren’t rubbing the crap out of it.”
Donovan pouted. “Yeah, well, next time you turn into a walking red rash, we’ll talk.” His tone came across a bit snippy, but he didn’t care.
TJ grinned. “That thick fur should protect you. Either way, you’re going straight to the creek and rinsing off.”
Donovan darted for the water and took a flying leap. His cannonball left something to be desired as did the depth of the water. He landed soundly on his butt on the creek bed. Thankfully, no rocks lay hidden to poke him in the ass.